Well my confusion continues.  Since my last post I have advanced my rank by only several percent.  Still stuck as a Metal Slime.  To my great surprise I have even earned a few new badges since the last post.  PC Aficionado, Tagger Maker, and Turkey Day.  I know, I know...pretty much everyone got a Turkey Day badge (at least among those of us who signed in on Thanksgiving), but these are some of my first since I started using GS three and a half years ago.  Probably kind of sad that I didn't earn any sooner.  Anyway...yes...confusion.  How can I make considerable progress (for me) in the realm of badges, and make hardly any when it comes to the rank advancement?  I am ready to directly question why...I am just not sure who to ask.  Any ideas where to start?  I guess I'll try the forums, but if anyone has a link or better idea let me know.